IWRM Presentation, My Part MS 241009

Climate Change and IWRM
Climate change:
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily
caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), deforestation, and
industrial processes.
IWRM:
IWRM is a process which promotes the coordinated development & management of water,
land and related resources in order to maximize the resulting economic & social welfare in an
equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystem.
Principles of IWRM
IWRM is based on the three principles:
• Social equity: Social equity means ensuring equal access for all users (particularly
marginalized and poorer user groups) to an adequate quantity and quality of water
necessary to sustain human well being. The right of all users to the benefits gained from the
use of water also needs to be considered
• Economic Efficiency: Economic Efficiency means bringing the greatest benefit to the
greatest number of users possible with the available financial and water resources. This
requires that the most economically efficient option is selected.
• Ecological Sustainability: Ecological Sustainability requires that aquatic ecosystems are
acknowledged as users and that adequate allocation is made to sustain their natural
functioning.
The interconnection between climate change and IWRM
• Water as a Climate-Sensitive Resource: Climate change influences rainfall patterns, river
flows, and groundwater recharge, leading to changes in water resource. On the other hand
IWRM is a framework designed to manage water resources in a holistic, inclusive, and
sustainable manner.
• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Climate change often affects multiple sectors like agriculture,
energy, and health through its impact on water resources. IWRM promotes cross-sectoral
collaboration, ensuring that water policies align with broader environmental, economic,
and social objectives.
• Water Governance and Policy Integration: Both climate change adaptation and IWRM
require effective governance and strong institutions involving stakeholders at all level.
• Mitigation of Climate Change through Water Management: Water management can also
contribute to climate change mitigation. IWRM supports the efficient use of water
resources, which can reduce the energy used for water extraction, distribution, and
treatment. This, in turn, lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Fig-1: Climate change indicators

The growing need for integrated approaches to address water challenges in a changing
climate
• Water Scarcity and Security: Climate change is contributing to more frequent droughts,
diminishing water supplies in many regions. Integrated water management approaches are
essential to balance the competing demands for agriculture, industry, and household use.
• Ecosystem Protection and Restoration: Climate change is threatening the ecosystems such
as wetlands, rivers, and forests , and an integrated approach that incorporates ecosystem
protection and restoration into water management strategies is necessary for preserving
natural services.
• Flood Risk and Resilience: Extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and storms, are
becoming more common, leading to floods that threaten infrastructure, livelihoods, and
ecosystems. Integrated approaches that combine land use planning, nature-based solutions
(such as wetlands restoration), and infrastructure upgrades are crucial for mitigating flood
risks and improving the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Equity and Governance: An integrated approach ensures inclusive water governance,
promoting equitable access to water resources and prioritizing the needs of those
disproportionately affected by climate change.
Impact of climate change on
water resources
The direct and indirect effects of climate change on water availability, quality, and
distribution
• Quality: Rising temperatures can cause water to become warmer, which can lead to an
increase in the growth of harmful algae and bacteria. These organisms can produce toxins
that are harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Besides natural disasters, such
as hurricanes and floods, can also lead to water pollution by washing pollutants into rivers,
lakes, and groundwater aquifers.
• Variability: As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change, water resources are
becoming increasingly unpredictable. This can make it difficult for water managers to make
decisions about water allocation and distribution.
• Availability: With the onset of climate change, sea levels are rising and glaciers are melting,
leading to significant shifts in water availability. The intrusion of saltwater into coastal
aquifers is restricting access to fresh water for local communities.
Impact of climate change on water resources
Fig-2:indicators of climate change impact on water resources and of socio-economic

vulnerability as proposed by the RICCAR climate model.
The effect of climate change on water resources with specific example and event from
different regions
• Drought and Water Scarcity in Sub-Saharan Africa: In 2018, Cape Town faced an
unprecedented drought, nearly reaching "Day Zero," when the city would have run out of
water. This crisis was driven by climate change-related shifts in rainfall patterns, which led
to several years of below-average precipitation.
• Melting Glaciers and Reduced Water Flow in South Asia: Rising global temperatures have
accelerated the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas. Initially, melting may increase river
flow, leading to flooding, but over time, the loss of glaciers will create water scarcity.
• Water Stress in the Middle East: Prolonged drought led to the depletion of groundwater
and surface water resources, forcing communities to rely on unsustainable water
extraction.
• Rising Sea Levels and Salinization in the Pacific Islands: Rising sea levels due to climate
change have led to the salinization of freshwater aquifers in low-lying Pacific islands like
Kiribati. Salinization reduces the availability of drinking water and water for agriculture,
forcing communities to rely on imported water or desalination, which are costly and
unsustainable solutions.
• Intensified Hurricanes and Storm Surges in the Caribbean: Hurricane Maria, one of the
most intense hurricanes in recorded history, devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. The storm's
heavy rainfall and storm surge caused widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure,
including water treatment facilities and distribution networks.

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Climate Change and IWRM

Fig-1: Climate change indicators

Fig-2:indicators of climate change impact on water resources and of socio-economic

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